The search continues for missing RAF gunner Corrie McKeague at the Milton Landfill site in Cambridgeshire. Picture: GREGG BROWN

The father of missing serviceman Corrie McKeague says he will be forever in the debt of police officers who are continuing searching a landfill site for his son on the hottest weekend of the year so far.

The search continues for missing RAF gunner Corrie McKeague at the Milton Landfill site in Cambridgeshire. Picture: GREGG BROWN

Police said they were stepping up efforts to find the RAF Honington gunner, as they carry out the first weekend searches so far on the Milton landfill site in Cambridgeshire.

More than 1,620 tonnes of waste has been searched since the operation began a month ago on March 6.

“I think it’s unbelievable what these officers are doing,” said Martin McKeague, who has now visited the site five times.

“I definitely don’t envy what they’re going to have to do. I don’t think they’ll manage the 90 tonnes [over the weekend] that they’ve been doing if it’s going to be as hot as they’re saying. I just can’t thank these guys enough and I will keep thanking them. It’s a horrendous task that they’ve got to do.”

Corrie McKeague's dad, Martin

Martin and his wife Trisha left their home in Scotland and have been living near the landfill site in a campervan while officers have been searching. He purchased the motorhome shortly after his son disappeared so he could stay in Suffolk to help the search.

“I really can’t thank the Suffolk and Norfolk police enough for raking through this and looking for Corrie,” Mr McKeague added.

“I’ll be forever in their debt and so will all the McKeagues back in Scotland.”

A spokeswoman for Suffolk police said: “A decision has been made to continue work, ahead of the Easter weekend.”

Corrie McKeague. Picture: SUFFOLK CONSTABULARY

“The schedule, and working arrangements on the site, are being reviewed on a regular basis to ensure the search is being carried out effectively, while maintaining the health and safety of officers carrying out the work.”

Corrie went missing on a night out in Bury St Edmunds. He was last seen at 3.24am on September 24 walking into the horseshoe-shaped area in Brentgovel Street, opposite Short Brackland.